Richard Mulligan

That process has started in Argentina this week with the first of two Test matches against the Pumas taking place this Saturday.

Kiss stressed that while capturing the Six Nations title was special, the players now need to look forward and not back.

“It’s nice to know that that’s in the past and hopefully it can serve us well going forward,” he said.

“It guarantees you nothing going forward, we’ve still got to get out there and do the things that make us a team that we are proud of.

“And if we keep doing those things everything is possible.”

Kiss has urged players to seize their chance against Argentina and stake a claim for permanent places.

A combination of injuries and players needing to be rested has presented an opportunity for several men to work their way into coach Joe Schmidt’s World Cup plans.

He added: “This is a good opportunity for our players and if you turn it around there is a lot of opportunities for their guys to put their hands up because it looks like they are going to have a team in the Super 18 or something in the future.

“That’s an opportunity for them to put their hands up now so we know they’ll be hungry.

“We have guys that know that Tests are running short leading up to the World Cup so every training session, every meeting, every opportunity to get out there and put the jersey on is important.”